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Monday, September 26, 2016

It's Monday! Time for a new Yarn Fanatic Party! I have limited access to internet right now, but I will pick a feature later this week.

Don't miss out on the September yarn giveaway is being sponsored by Lion Brand. They are going to give one lucky winner four skeins of their Heartland yarn!

Details and Fine Print: Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

What have you created with yarn? It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn. (This is the YARN Fanatic Party!) It can be a new project or an old one. I can't wait to see what you've created!

Leave comments here, there, and everywhere. (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)

If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

PLEASE NOTE: Per InLinkz guidelines, listings linked to purchase options isn't permitted. This means that you cannot link directly to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where there is an option to buy the pattern. You may link to a Pin, or a Facebook page, or a Flickr page, etc. Links to where to buy the pattern included in a blog post are permitted.

For right now we have the month long linky. Be sure to link up your new projects! We'll be getting a new weekly linky soon!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Welcome to the main page of the All Dolled Up blog event! (I have this set up as a "sticky post" which means it should be the first post on the main page during the event. So if you're stopping by be sure to click through to "older posts" because there's lots of new content!) This series is all about, you guessed it, dolls! Do you have an American Girl doll? I do! It's been a prized possession since I was a little girl. She's moved with me every step of the way.

Sponsors

Please check out all of the sponsors of this event. They help to make fun little events like this one happen.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

What bird(s) do you think of when you see this color combination? While the colorway is "gelato" I'm all about feathers this time. (Full disclosure, this cell phone photo is pretty terrible, it just doesn't capture the true vibrancy of this yarn. You can see it on Amazon and Michael's but even there the lighter green is somewhat washed out -- in person it's almost a neon lime green.)

I have a lovely pattern that I am working on writing up to share with you all, but I am still debating the name. Maybe one of you will will be able to give me some inspiration. Birds that are on my mind are peacock, parrot, and canary.

I have another project going using the Caron Cakes Yarn. I am attempting to knit a hat sans pattern. Always dangerous. Especially since my knitting skills aren't nearly as honed as my crochet skills. The brim is going to be a braided cable . . . at least, that's the current plan. Cable charts terrify me. I can read just about any crochet chart with no problem, and love when they're included for intricate patterns, but a knitting chart still looks completely foreign to me. It's a fear that needs to be conquered though, because I adore the look of cables. (And in my humble opinion, crochet cables just don't measure up.)

The temperatures are starting to cool down and Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors with your kids. Thankfully, Step2 has a brand new ride-on that will help them explore the outdoors in comfort and style! We're thrilled to introduce you to the new Whisper Ride Cruiser! Thrifty Nifty Mommy's daughter loves the new Whisper Ride Cruiser (as you can see below), and we think your little one will too!

Information about the Whisper Ride Cruiser from Step2:
Children will have a blast strolling around town in the sleek and stylish Step2 Whisper Ride Cruiser! This kid’s ride-on features a realistic body style that matches today’s supercars, including life-like decals and interactive features. Little ones will enjoy their ride while pretending to drive around with the movable steering wheel and working horn. This toddler ride-on will provide your kiddo with a roomy stroll around the neighborhood, park, or zoo! Made in USA of US and imported parts.

Disclosure: One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Happy Monday! Are you a Monday lover or hater? I know a lot of people that thrive on the predictable routine of the weekday, so Mondays are welcome, but I also know a lot of people that see Mondays as the beginning of anothe five days drudgery. Where do you fall?

Don't miss out on the September yarn giveaway is being sponsored by Lion Brand. They are going to give one lucky winner four skeins of their Heartland yarn!

Details and Fine Print: Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

What have you created with yarn? It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn. (This is the YARN Fanatic Party!) It can be a new project or an old one. I can't wait to see what you've created!

Leave comments here, there, and everywhere. (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)

If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

PLEASE NOTE: Per InLinkz guidelines, listings linked to purchase options isn't permitted. This means that you cannot link directly to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where there is an option to buy the pattern. You may link to a Pin, or a Facebook page, or a Flickr page, etc. Links to where to buy the pattern included in a blog post are permitted.

For right now we have the month long linky. Be sure to link up your new projects! We'll be getting a new weekly linky soon!

Nothing is more important than making sure your kids are happy and safe, so we've teamed up with BubbleBum to share some tips for child passenger safety and to give away a fantastic prize package to one lucky family!
Kids love staying both safe and comfortable with BubbleBum’s kid-approved, super cool inflatable booster seat. Buckle up your older kids (age 4-11) in a car booster seat providing safety and comfort that is the top choice for all parents. BubbleBum gives kiddos the perfect "boost" to prevent the risk of slouching (which happens with flat car booster seats) and seat belt abdominal injury in the event of a crash. The cool factor makes kids more likely to want to use a booster seat.

BubbleBum weighs less than a pound and inflates/deflates in minutes. It meets and exceeds all Europe and U.S. safety regulations, even in the deflated state. The air-filled design provides extra comfort compared to flat booster seat alternatives. BubbleBum booster seats utilize memory foam technology to help create stability and structural integrity in the seat with side positioners to correctly position the lap belt.
BubbleBum was created by Grainne Kelly, an Irish mom-of-two, as a solution to her own struggles lugging heavy booster seats during her travels with her kids. With her expertise and direction, BubbleBum is leading the way in ensuring that every child has a safe and comfortable booster seat on every car ride. And to help you ensure every child is safe in every vehicle, Grainne has the below tips for you:

Tips for Child Passenger Safety

Visit a Safe Kids child restraint check-up event. There are over 500 safety inspection stations across the U.S. that are set up to help teach parents how to safely transport kids. Many safety stations are located in GM dealerships, hospitals, or fire stations. Check for an event or check-up station near you at www.safekids.org.

Buckle up your child for every drive, starting with the first ride home from the hospital. Set a good example by buckling up for every ride, too.

Keep babies in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2-years-old. Check your state law and car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight. Kids receive the best protection from head, neck, and spinal injuries in a rear-facing position.

When installing forward-facing car seats, attach the top tether after tightening the lock and seat belt or lower latches. Ensure the seat is securely fastened before putting your child in the car seat. Tug on the seat, and if it moves more than an inch, it has not been installed properly.

Treat kids like VIPS: keep them in the backseat until they are 13.

Check car seat labels to determine if they are an appropriate fit for your child’s age, height, and weight.

Toys can injure kids in a crash, so only bring soft toys than can be secured and can’t float freely in the car.

Check your car seat’s expiration date, as most car seats expire within six years. Check the label to make sure it still meets safety requirements. If it is out of date, discard it in a dark trash bag so it won’t be pulled from the trash and reused.

Don’t buy a used car seat from a thrift store or Craigslist, as it is important to know the history of the car seat by knowing the previous owner. Once a car seat has expired or been in a crash, it is deemed unsafe and must be discarded.

Use the pinch test to ensure the car seat straps are snug enough. When buckled in, parents should not be able to pinch extra fabric on the strap around the child’s shoulders.

Your child is ready for a booster seat if he exceeds height and weight limits, his shoulders are above the harness slots, or his ears are above the top of the car seat.

Have a portable booster seat handy (such as the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat) on vacations to use in taxi rides, rental cars, grandma’s car or for that extra unexpected little passenger in daily carpooling. They are easy to pack fitting into a large pursue or backpack and easy to inflate. Kids are 59% safer in booster seat than just a seat belt. BubbleBum meets and exceeds the US FMVSS213 safety regulations and has been awarded the Best BET Booster award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety multiple times.

Never leave a child alone in the car, as the temperatures in a car can escalate quickly in warm weather and cause a heat stroke or even death. Leaving the car running to keep kids cool or warm depending on the weather is not safe, as a running car is a target for thieves and toddlers are able to accidentally engage the vehicle if they get out of their seat. Always take kids inside when you are running errands.

Ready for a great giveaway to keep your kids happy and safe while in the car?

Our winner will receive the following:

BubbleBum - It's a best seller and parents’ favorite, winner of more than 20 design and innovation awards including Mumsnet, Mother & Baby and Practical Parenting. The portable, lightweight, inflatable car booster seat for children aged between 4-11 easily deflates and packs away, making it perfect for vacations, rental cars, taxis, coach journeys, school trips or carpooling.

Sneck Travel Pillow - This comfy travel pillow’s micro-bead filled pillow pods and cozy material allow your child to sleep in total comfort, while providing head and neck support. Perfect for car journeys, bus trips or fly-in’s, the Sneck easily attaches to the headrest with a Velcro strap so it stays in place and the kids can snooze comfortably. This cool pillow system also comes with a stash pocket so your child can store their mp3 player or mobile device while not in use.

Junkie Organizer - The Junkie transforms your backseat, organize your junk and keeps your kids entertained. With a “tech mount” for kids to share one device, both kids can access, interact and view together. Two compact, retractable activity trays for snacking and play. Junkie also features two convenient cup holders. Expanding compartment fits the removable, reusable, refillable totebag with insulated pocket, to transport all your junk from home to car.

A $75 Amazon Gift Card

Open to the US only, ages 18 and up. Ends 10/3/16 at 11:59 PM EST.
Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!

Disclosure: One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfilment.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Are you aware of the current Yarn Cake craze? If you are like me and follow a variety of crocheting and knitting blogs then you've surely heard of the Caron Yarn Cakes. They're a Michael's exclusive, so when I stopped in this week I was excited to see a few still on the shelf. A very few, but they were there! (There are a few people online reselling them already!)

I only picked up one. Even on sale the price didn't seem like a stock up price. Of course, I can be pretty cheap, so that might just be me. Also, I haven't actually worked with this yarn yet. (We need to finish a few things around the house first.) I might be rushing back to the store tonight, we'll see!

Have you crocheted or knitted using these "cakes" yet? What are your thoughts on the yarn?

I have three giveaways happening right now that you might be interested in! Two of them are doll clothes sewing patterns and one yarn giveaway.

If your children love pretend play and building, the Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop is the perfect toy for them! Amber from Viva Veltoro just reviewed this new Toys "R" Us exclusive workshop from Step2 and her daughter has been having a blast with all of the cool features. Be sure to check out her review to see it in action!

To celebrate this awesome new workshop, we've teamed up with Step2 to give one away!

Here are some details of the Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop from Step2:
The Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop by Step2 features the realistic and authentic sounds of the workshop for hours of pretend play fun! Little ones can work together to create a color-changing birdhouse while working to develop their fine motor skills as they cut, drill and hammer. This kid's workshop is perfect for little handy men and women! Made in USA of US and imported parts. Accessories made in China.

Electronic drill and overhead work light (requires four “AA” and three ”AAA” batteries, not included)

Large work surface allows for multiple children to design and build their own creation

Kiddos can build a birdhouse and watch the colors change as little ones “paint” with water using a brush, roller or spray bottle

One lucky reader will win a Step2 Just Like Home Big Builders Pro Workshop, ARV $129.99!

Disclosure: One winner will be randomly selected using the Giveaway Tools random selector and notified via email. Once notified, the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google. Void where prohibited. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment.

Monday, September 12, 2016

It's a new week, which means it's time for a new Yarn Fanatic Party! Is it getting cooler where you live? It seems that many crocheters and knitters craft more during the cooler months. Is this true for you? Of course, now I live in Florida . . . so it's pretty constantly hot.

I have a couple of low entry giveaways that I'd like to make sure you saw. They aren't yarn related, but so often crafters are multi-talented. My Childhood Treasuresis giving aways a doll pattern of choice and Oh Sew Kat! is giving away patterns for a complete doll outfit!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

If I were to transform a doll dress into something I would wear it would be the Bluebell Dress by My Childhood Treasures. I love this combination of a cute and girly dress with a fun and comfortable hoodie. Seriously, I want one! I will have to live vicariously through dolls for now I suppose. (Although, I do have the Lane Raglan and it shouldn't be too hard to add a circle skirt to the bottom. I might just have to make this a reality.)

The dress was easy to put together, especially with the clear instructions. As you can probably tell, I currently have no nice white velcro. I've been meaning to go to the craft store to pick some up, but life keeps getting in the way. I could just order some on Amazon, but I have the urge to explore the magical craft store aisles. That's why you see those ugly black bits of velcro peeking out. I tacked some in quickly so that Catherine could use the dresses. This pattern is awesome though and I know that I'll be making more. I definitely recommend this pattern.

I just have to say, I love how little fabric it takes to sew doll clothes! During this Dolled Up Event I finally have found a use for my scrap bin! (I'm sure you have one too -- it's filled with pieces of fabric too big to toss, but so small that they never really work for another project.) These dresses are made entirely of scraps from fabric I got at Girl Charlee. (You can see some of the fabric on Catherine's Hearts Hoodie and my Julia Women's Cardigan.)

My Childhood Treasures is generously sponsoring a giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a doll clothes pattern of your choice from the shop.

Details and Fine Print: Ends 9/26/16. Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

I'm super excited that Lion Brand is sponsoring September's yarn giveaway! Have you seen the Heartland line? I haven't had the opportunity to work with it myself (yet!) but I've seen it in the store and it's so soft! I also love that it's machine washable and dryable -- I know, I know, it's a mom thing.

One lucky person is going to win four skeins of their Heartland yarn!

Details and Fine Print: Void where prohibited. Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Facebook and other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize fulfilment or shipment. You must respond to my email within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn.

Do you hack patterns? By this I mean take a pattern and tweaking it, but tweaked beyond personal preference and individual fit type issues. So maybe "tweak" is too mild of a word. I do this a lot.

I sometimes wonder how designers feel about pattern hacking -- do they love that someone admires their handiwork that they want to incorporate it into something new and unique? Or do the designers think of it as a bastardization of their work?

Maybe I could call myself a designer, I'm not sure. I just love to create and I sometimes remember to jot down notes during the process and then share them. I personally would LOVE to know that something I created inspired someone else's creativity.

(Just to be clear, I'm not talking about stealing someone's work/pattern and calling it your own. Although, that does beg the question of how far removed from the original does something need to be before it's a new pattern. That's a question for another day.)

In other yarn-y news, The Yarn Fanatic Party is back! Please come link up your knit and crochet projects -- and anything else that uses yarn. The party has returned to a weekly format. I hope to see you there!

Do tell me your thoughts about pattern hacking! Do you do it? Are you a designer? Do you hate it?

Monday, September 5, 2016

Welcome to the Yarn Fanatic Party! It's been a busy summer, but I'm ready to party again. We're going to go back to a weekly party, so while you can join anytime during the week the fun begins Monday. (So mark your calendars!)

Fine Print and Details: Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Void where prohibited. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize delivery. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email in order to claim the prize. After 48 hours a new winner will be drawn. Facebook and all social media are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. Giveaway ends 9/7/2016.

What have you created with yarn? It could be something you crocheted, knitted, or anything that used yarn. (This is the YARN Fanatic Party!) It can be a new project or an old one. I can't wait to see what you've created!

The only rule is that everything you link to must be family friendly.I would appreciate it very much if you:

Leave comments here, there, and everywhere. (Please, take a moment to visit at least one other blog and leave a comment. I want this to be a supportive community of yarn lovers.)

If you're not a blogger, but want to participate, feel free to upload a picture from Flicker!

By linking up you are giving me permission to share your photos here on the blog and via social media, with the appropriate credit, of course!

PLEASE NOTE: Per InLinkz guidelines, listings linked to purchase options isn't permitted. This means that you cannot link directly to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where there is an option to buy the pattern. You may link to a Pin, or a Facebook page, or a Flickr page, etc. Links to where to buy the pattern included in a blog post are permitted.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Did you see the super cute Popsicle Tops and Sandbox Shorts that I made using patterns from Oh Sew Kat!? Aren't her patterns absolutely darling? Wouldn't you love to sew up some of her adorable patterns?

Oh Sew Kat! is generously sponsoring a giveaway for any one complete outfit -- it could be a dress or a top and bottom.

Details and Fine Print: Must be 18+ to enter. US only. Void where prohibited. The Philosopher's Wife is not responsible for prize shipment or fulfilment. Giveaway ends 9/18/2016. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook or any social media.

Are you looking for an adorable shorts pattern for your doll? Then you should check out the Sandbox Shorts by Oh Sew Kat!

I particularly like the flat front; the shorts just look so much more professional with the flat front. Most of the other doll shorts patterns I've seen lacked this detail.

These shorts are an easy sew. Like the Popsicle Top, the instructions are very well written and include lots of photos. This pattern is especially awesome because it includes three different styles: Classic, Bermuda, and Wide Leg. The brown floral shorts that I made are Classic, without pockets. (Catherine didn't want to cover up the fun flowers, so I didn't.)

While this is a fairly simple pattern, the possibilities are endless! It's so versatile! Different trims and different fabrics will give you anything from gym clothes to special occasion wear.

Please take a moment to visit Oh Sew Kat! and follow her on social media.

The Popsicle Top by Oh Sew Kat is the perfect shirt pattern for your doll! It's a simple tank, so it can be paired with just about anything, plus it can be reversible and it's easy to embellish. I highly recommend this sewing pattern.

The Popsicle Top is an easy sewing pattern. The instructions are also very clear and include lots of pictures. (If you want to just print straightforward instructions there's a page for that too!) I've been sewing off and on for a while, but I think even someone just learning to sew would be able to make the Popsicle Top.

This is a great project for either fat quarters or the leftovers from other projects. I used random bits from my scrap bin and I just love how these shirts turned out! I'm excited though, because now I have a perfect project anytime I fall in love with a fat quarter and just "need" to have it. (I do need to remember to get some more Velcro, I only had a teeny amount in my stash. If you're making doll clothes you're going to want some extra on hand too!)

I don't know about you, but whenever I use anything from my scrap bag I am reminded of the original projects. The above top is made from some scraps from my Fabric Headbands, a dress I cut up for fabric, and some bias tape from the edging of a quilt for Catherine. It's a walk down memory lane! (Also pictured are the Sandbox Shorts, also by Oh Sew Kat!, and a little sweater I knitted which is modeled after the In Threes Sweater.)

This top and skirt set is made with some of my my favorite quilting cotton. I made matching Mommy and Me Easter dresses with it one year. (Art Gallery has a gorgeous knit fabric that is quite similar that I'd absolutely love to have!)

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